One of the most effective and tissue-saving procedures in skin cancer surgery, especially useful for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is Mohs micrographic surgery. This method was invented by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930’s. It achieves the highest cure rates while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. However, most people don’t know what makes this surgery so special. Let’s uncover some lesser-known truths about Mohs surgery that explain why dermatologists call it the gold standard in skin cancer removal.
- Mohs Surgery Examines 100% of the Tumor Margins.
Unlike conventional excisions that only examine a sample of the tissue edges, the pathologist evaluates 100% of the tumor margins microscopically in Mohs surgery.
This treatment leaves absolutely no cancer cells behind – not even the tiniest of cells. It is the most precise method of skin cancer removal today.
Up to 99% cure rate for new skin cancers, 95% for recurrent ones.
- The Surgeon Acts as Both Surgeon and Pathologist.
In Mohs surgery, the same specialist cuts out the cancer and looks at the tissues under a microscope. This dual approach ensures immediate verification and control of each step of the surgery.
It’s not often in modern medicine that one physician is responsible for both the surgery and the diagnostic steps. This circumstance minimizes indenture errors and increases accuracy.
- It’s Performed in Stages During the Same Visit.
Most of the time, Mohs surgery is performed in stages on the same day. After they take off the tissues, they are sent to the lab next to the operating room.
In the event that they find cancer cells, the surgeon removes another thin layer (from only the affected area) until no cancer remains.
Using a layer by layer approach, the surgeon is able to remove all cancer while preserving maximum healthy tissue possible.
- It Minimizes Scarring and Preserves Appearance.
Mohs surgery utilizes a meticulous microscopic examination of cancerous skin cells to decide whether to remove further skin. It is especially useful in treating cancers in cosmetically sensitive parts of the body–including the face, nose, eyelids, lips, and ears.
You will be surprised how small and inconspicuous your scar will look when healed. This is especially true when the procedure was performed by a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon who has experience performing aesthetic reconstruction.
- Mohs Surgery Can Treat More Than Just Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas.
Mohs surgery isn’t just used for Non-melanoma skin cancer, it is effective for other.
Some types of melanoma (melanoma in situ).
Uncommon skin cancers like DFSP and sebaceous carcinoma skin cancers.
Recurrent tumors or cancers with poorly defined borders.
Its flexibility is what, increasingly, makes it a preferred option for complicated or higher risk cases.
- Recovery Is Usually Quick and Comfortable.
Patients are awake and comfortable because Mohs surgery is done under local anesthesia.
Most people go back to work or routine in a week or two. According to the size of the tumor and the type of repair, the recovery differs. However, complications are rare in the hands of an experienced dermatologist.
- Mohs Surgery Combines Medicine, Science, and Art.
Every stage of Mohs surgery involves microscopic precision and aesthetic reconstruction skills. Surgeons want to not only completely remove the cancer but also make the area look natural and work normally again.
Mohs surgery combines medical precision with artistic reconstruction, making it one of the most sophisticated and pleasing skin cancer surgical processes.
Final Thoughts.
Mohs micrographic surgery is not just for treatment of skin cancers ; it is an evidence based strategy with optimal cure rates and cosmetic results. Mohs surgery saves lives and improves the quality of life for patients all over the world because it is precise, safe and successful.
If a doctor tells you that you have skin cancer, talk to your dermatologist about whether Mohs is right for you.
